Maximum Sustainable Yield
Maximum catch or harvest rate from a population that maintains stability over time, critical for fisheries and wildlife management.
Formula
MSY occurs at P = K/2 (where K = carrying capacity)
Real World
The North Sea herring fishery collapsed in the 1970s because harvests consistently exceeded MSY; a fishing ban from 1977–1981 allowed stocks to recover, demonstrating the concept in practice.
Exam Focus
Show the MSY curve diagram if asked to 'explain' — marks are awarded for labelling K/2, growth rate peak, and the declining phase beyond MSY.
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